Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Wintergreen, Virginia, the Three Ridges Trail is a popular hiking destination that offers stunning views and a challenging but rewarding trek. With its diverse terrain and breathtaking vistas, the Three Ridges Trail is a must-visit destination for any avid hiker.
I recently took on this trail on a gorgeous Saturday. I arrived at 8:15 which was a little later than I had wanted but since the time change, I knew I still had plenty of time to do this hiking trail in a single day.
The Three Ridges Trail is a 13.1-mile loop that starts and ends at the Reid’s Gap parking lot on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The trail is rated as difficult due to its steep inclines, rugged terrain, and numerous creek crossings. You definitely need to be prepared for a full day of hiking and bring plenty of water and snacks to stay fueled throughout the journey.
I had 5 bottles of water, 4 granola bars, and a light lunch that consisted of a sun-roasted tomato wrap, salami, and Swiss cheese with a side of hummus and carrots.
The trail begins with a steep climb up the Mau-Har Trail, which takes you through a dense forest and across several creek crossings. The trail then levels out and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains before descending into a valley.
What was really helpful was the ability to download the map from AllTrails, because there were a few times I would have gotten lost without it. Some markings aren’t as clear as one would hope for them to be but by giving myself enough pause to take a look around I was able to find the proper trail.
After crossing the creek at the bottom of the valley, you begin a steep ascent up the Three Ridges Trail. This section of the trail is the most challenging, with several steep inclines and rocky terrain. However, the effort is well worth it for the breathtaking views from the top of the ridge. I never knew I’d be a rock climber one day.
At the top of the ridge, you can take a break and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. From there, the trail descends through a series of switchbacks before crossing another creek and ascending to the summit of Chimney Rock. Again, rock climbing totally was a thing.
The final leg of the trail takes you down the North Ridge Trail, which offers stunning views of the valley below. The trail eventually loops back to Reid’s Gap parking lot, where you can relax and reflect on the amazing journey they just completed.
In addition to its challenging terrain and stunning vistas, the Three Ridges Trail is also rich in history. The area was once home to a thriving logging industry, and remnants of old homesteads and logging camps can still be found along the trail.
Overall, the Three Ridges Trail is a challenging but rewarding hike that offers stunning views and a glimpse into the rich history of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Since I hike regularly (although not 13 miles) I was totally up for the challenge and with the pauses and breaks I took, it was about 8 hours on the trail.
If you are not accustomed to hiking, then I encourage you to consider making this a camping trip instead so that you can rest and recover at the various camping and shelter spots along the trail. There were some places that were really tough and my feed thanked me when I finally made it back to the car. I also had an audiobook to keep me company which kept me distracted enough from some of those really difficult areas.
Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge or just looking for a scenic day hike, the Three Ridges Trail is a must-visit destination that will leave you breathless and in awe of the natural beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.